Cape Town, South Africa — Donnel, a 19-year-old from Cape Town, has lived with hydrocephalus since birth, a condition that has left him unable to walk and dependent on full-time care. As he enters adulthood, the physical and practical demands of managing his condition have increased significantly.
In response, his family has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for essential mobility equipment, daily medical and hygiene supplies, and safe transport — support that is now critical to maintaining his health, dignity, and quality of life.
A Family Focused on Care
Donnel’s life has been shaped by ongoing medical intervention and constant care. He has undergone six major surgeries and survived a stroke, resulting in lasting physical limitations. He requires assistance with all daily activities, along with ongoing management of chronic health conditions, including severe skin allergies and the risk of seizures.
Since the age of four, Donnel has been cared for solely by his mother, following the death of his father from cancer. For the past 15 years, she has managed every aspect of his wellbeing, becoming his full-time caregiver.
Her responsibilities are continuous and demanding. She provides 24-hour supervision, manages medical routines and hygiene needs, and performs all physical lifting and transfers, as Donnel cannot walk independently. As he has grown into a young adult, these tasks have become increasingly strenuous.
Despite these pressures, Donnel’s outlook remains a source of strength within the household. His family describes him as disciplined, calm, and quietly resilient. During health setbacks, including seizures, it is often his composure that sustains his mother.
“Donnel doesn’t complain,” his family explains. “Even in difficult moments, his attitude gives his mother the strength to continue.”
One of the ways Donnel expresses determination is through music. Despite poor eyesight and limited use of one hand, he finds joy and purpose in singing. Music offers an emotional outlet and a sense of identity beyond his physical limitations.
Turning to Community Support
As Donnel has transitioned into adulthood, his care needs have reached a critical point. His physical size has made hospital visits, daily transfers, and transport increasingly difficult to manage alone. The strain of lifting and moving him has resulted in his mother developing severe, chronic back pain.
At the same time, the cost of essential daily supplies — including adult nappies and medicated creams required for his skin condition — has continued to rise. For a single caregiver, these combined pressures have become unsustainable.
Faced with these realities, the family made the decision to seek community support by launching a verified BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
Since launching three days ago, the response has been encouraging. More than R14,000 has been raised, reaching 70% of the R20,000 goal, through contributions from 15 individual donors. While this support has provided momentum, the family still needs assistance to reach the full amount required.
“This campaign is about ensuring Donnel has the care and dignity he deserves,” says campaign organiser Rory Little. “It’s also about acknowledging that this journey can’t be carried alone anymore.”
The public response has offered encouragement after years of managing Donnel’s care privately, highlighting the impact of collective support.
“Having the right equipment would be life-changing,” the family explains. “It would reduce the risk of injury, protect his mother’s health, and allow Donnel to live with greater comfort and stability.”
To support Donnel, visit the BackaBuddy campaign here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/helping-donnel-access-the-care-he-deserves